Hi. Sorry about the vaugeness of the description.
I'll reply bit by bit in your original message.

-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Rauch [mailto:rkr@olib.org]
Sent: Monday, 10 March 2003 10:13 PM
To: Arlen Cuss; netbsd-help@netbsd.org
Subject: Re: Installing NetBSD on a laptop (but wait, the complications
grow)...


Re. http://mail-index.netbsd.org/netbsd-help/2003/03/10/0002.html

Since Peter already answered your questions point-by-point, I thought
that I'd offer just a couple of additional points:

First, you're a little vague about your laptop.  Some are easier than
others.  Lack of built-in ethernet/CD-ROM doesn't necessarily mean
that you can't add it.  Conceivably memory shortages or motherboard
issues could be a problem (e.g., if it is a *really* old laptop,, it
might not have enough memory).
>>> I'm sure I could add a PCMCIA network card, however local sellers are
charging quite a lot for them (over $100AUD)

Second, you didn't say anything about your degree of expertise.  I'll
assume that you have been using NetBSD for some time, and generally
know your way around UNIX.  I'll also assume that the unnamed "desktop"
that you mentioned is running a reasonably nice OS.
>>> I've use NetBSD on my friends computer, but I've been using RedHat Linux
for many years, so I know my way around UNIX quite well (I've read through a
"Linux Programming Bible"; 800 pages quite a few times, so I know lots
ofusually programming-related commands, etc.). The desktop computer is
running WinME (uggh... have nothing better for it)

Also, since you didn't say what type of machine (i386?  Mac?  SPARC?)
you are talking about, I'll just assume that the appropriate NetBSD
port behaves like the i386 port re. installation.
>>> I believe the laptop is an i386 machine.

There's a web-page detailing NetBSD and laptop issues.  The URL is:

  http://www.reedmedia.net/misc/netbsd/laptops-and-netbsd.html

(It hasn't been updated since June of 2002.)
>>> Thanks, I'll take a look at it now..

As for getting the files onto your laptop, there are a few ways.

One way (if you have a floppy drive) is to use "split" file sets.  This
works by splitting the distribution sets into bite-sized chunks that
can be efficiently packed onto MS-DOS floppies.  The installer then
reconstructs the original archive by catting the split sets together
(prompting you to change floppies when needed).

I assume that these are still supported (dunno if they are still provided).
This is how I first installed NetBSD.  Painfully tedious, but doable.
Avoid if you can.  (^&
>>> Yes, I considered that, but the ISO is huge! 540mb splits roughly into
375 floppies =P.

Another is to use a serial connection, nullmodem, and SLIP.  Create a
boot-floppy, boot from it, set up a SLIP connection to your laptop, then
do a "network install" that way.  (NetBSD includes SLIP, but not PPP, on
the boot floppy image.)  I've used this once for a machine whose (dying)
CD-ROM would not recognize a CD-R that I burned for it.
>>> Hm. I actually tried to transfer files using "Direct Cable Connection"
(win95/98/me) and also "interlnk/intersrv", which are both utilities for
transferring files across LPT/COM ports, and no avail.

A third way is to get a USB or PCMCIA ethernet or CD-ROM, assuming that
your laptop has corresponding interfaces.  I'd favor this way if the
laptop could support it.  (Though beware that especially PCMCIA ethernet
cards may not work, even if your laptop's hardware is fully supported.
Ethernet cards seem to change chipsets frequently and silently, so that
you may have to exchange a card or few before you find one that works.)
>>> As I've mentioned above, they are rather expensive here in Australia.

>>> Thanks alot for your time.

--
  "I probably don't know what I'm talking about."  --rkr@olib.org